Former UPFA MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena was released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya regarding money laundering charges.

He was released on a cash bail of Rs 500,000 and four sureties of Rs 5 million each.

It was earlier said that Gunawardena had forced a businessman to write him cheques to the value of Rs 610 million. However, the businessman later appeared in court and said that he was not threatened by Gunawardena as it was mentioned earlier.

Meanwhile, the investigations as to how Gunawardena acquired the sum of Rs 610 million is ongoing.

It was informed to court that he had ownership of 14 companies. The investigations are being directed to determine as to how he acquired the assets.